I am going to purchase new black kidney grills. I see that there are gloss black ones and matte black ones. Can anyone suggest a better option? Would like to order within the week.

rdkind62

09-24-2012 11:03 AM

I prefer the matte black look myself.

ModBargains III

09-24-2012 11:10 AM

The gloss black versions would be done by BMW performance, and I personally think they look great. We do have a matte black option as well, strangely not listed on our website, but it is available as well if you're interested, for a lower price than the BMW performance:

I purchased the glossy ones and they look great on my Jet Black Z4. I guess it is a matter of taste - glossy in my opinion looks cleaner on Jet BLACK

fl_cyclist

11-30-2012 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carsbillz4
(Post 7221347)

I purchased the glossy ones and they look great on my Jet Black Z4. I guess it is a matter of taste - glossy in my opinion looks cleaner on Jet BLACK

I think your right I saw some pictures of the CF ones and they stick out too much. Another ? I have the silver mirrors so if I change out the grill the only silver on the car is the mirrors (and yes I would prefer to have painted mirror but since this is a lease there is only so much mod'ing I can do)

Thanks

BMWZ4RIDER

11-30-2012 09:51 AM

7 Attachment(s)

I removed my Chrome with Grey grilles, separated the inserts, sanded them with 600 and painted just the inserts with Gloss Black paint, for plastic, and kept the chrome ring.
This is a very easy mod and cost $8.00 vs spending $100 plus on new. You too can sand the chrome rings and paint them also, gloss or matt black, your preference. I like the Chrome/Black contrast look.

mdammann

11-30-2012 11:22 AM

I actually did buy the gloss blck ones and they look awesome. I also had the bottom front facia painted white. Pictures will be posted this weekend. Now onto the rims......

TeeZee

11-30-2012 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4RIDER
(Post 7223271)

I removed my Chrome with Grey grilles, separated the inserts, sanded them with 600 and painted just the inserts with Gloss Black paint, for plastic, and kept the chrome ring.
This is a very easy mod and cost $8.00 vs spending $100 plus on new. You too can sand the chrome rings and paint them also, gloss or matt black, your preference. I like the Chrome/Black contrast look.

Nice work and I also like your brake cliper mod from the other post. Any DIY info for removing the front grills- how did you take them out?

BMWZ4RIDER

11-30-2012 01:59 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Removing the grills- very easy BUT patience is key. For the 35i- 1st Remove the air intake from inside the engine compartment. There are 4 small bolts to remove the complete air intake. This gives you tight arm access to reach down and have access to the inside of the grills. There are 8 clips for each grill- 3 across the top, 1 on each side and 3 across the bottom- see my picture with the grill removed and see where the clip slots are located. With a small flat head screw driver find the 1st clip located along the top working from the outside in towards the center 1st. Gently put pressure upwards on the clip with one hand and gently pull down and out on the grill from the outside. The 1st clip is the hardest. When the clip is free you should hear a small snap and the grill then should slightly pull out. Once the 1st clip pops, move to the center clip with the same procedure and then the last top clip. Next pop the side clips starting on either side, with the same procedure. They should snap free fairly easy. Now the challenge. Now that you have the top 3 and 2 side clips undone, the grill will pull out appx 1 inch and allow access to the bottom clips ONLY with a Long thin tool inserted under the grill from the outside. I used a very thin hook end shaped tool. The bottom clips are hidden behind a metal structure beam. Gently pull the grill out and up to allow you to side the tool under the grill bottom going in from the side and work your way along the bottom of the grill. With my picture and knowing where the 1st clip is located slide the hook end under the grill from the side. Once tHe clip is located, gently twist up to unsnap the plastic clip. Now keep moving along the grill bottom in the same direction to the last 2 clips. Again use my picture to know exactly the clips are located for reference. It took me appx 30 minutes to get one off then very quick on the 2nd as I know where the clips were located. Patience is key.

tssalgado

12-29-2013 11:04 PM

For the red z4, I'm thinking of buying the shadow black….I haven't seen a gloss black on red yet, any photos?

HerrK

12-30-2013 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tssalgado
(Post 8043409)

For the red z4, I'm thinking of buying the shadow black….I haven't seen a gloss black on red yet, any photos?

I put the gloss black ones on my new Saphire black 35is. To remove the grills,sit on the ground in front of the car,put one hand on the left side,one on the right and then pull out in one quick,steady motion. That's it. I sometimes remove them to get at the large amount of water that accumulates behind them in front of the radiator .

tssalgado

01-20-2014 09:42 PM

Before and after…...it took me a little bit more than 30 mins to replace….